A new coffee shop in Oak Lawn is serving up more than craft lattes and pastries. It is brewing connection, a cozy atmosphere and a strong sense of community.
Grove Coffee, which opened two weeks ago at 4736 W. 103rd St. in Oak Lawn, is the creation of owner Daniel Stidham, an Oak Lawn resident and pastor at Calvary Church.
Stidham said the shop is about creating a welcoming space where relationships can grow.
“I love bringing people together – I am extremely extroverted,” Stidham said. “Grove Coffee is all about fostering communication between customers.”
That mission drives everything about Grove Coffee, from its cozy atmosphere to its partnerships with local organizations.
“Our mission is to interrupt cycles of relational and financial poverty,” Stidham said. “We want to do this through a well-run, generous business that creates a people-first space where relationships can grow.”
Finding the right location was not easy. Stidham spent four years searching before settling on the 103rd Street site, and he said he could not be happier with the spot.
“For me, personally, it was Oak Lawn or bust,” he said. “I love the community, and I knew this is where I wanted to be. We have incredible visibility from the street and a great amount of parking available.”
The name “Grove Coffee” also carries meaning. Oak Lawn’s 95th Street was once known as Black Oak Grove Road, a nod to the natural groves where trees grow closely together and their roots intertwine for strength.
“At Grove, we believe our communities are more resilient when people grow close,” Stidham said.
That belief inspired Grove Coffee’s partnership with Forward Mentoring, a local organization that connects teens with mentors. Stidham hopes the shop becomes a hub for meaningful connections.
“Some of our most impactful relationships have been the mentors we have had along the way,” he said. “That is why we are partnering with Forward Mentoring, to bring mentoring into focus for our local teens. So bring a friend, find a mentor, enjoy a craft coffee and grow close.”
Currently, Grove Coffee is open daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., with extended hours until 4 p.m. starting in September. Stidham said opening early was intentional to give customers a chance to meet before work.
When it comes to menu favorites, Stidham said he highly recommends the Oak Latte, a nod to Oak Lawn itself, which blends coffee with cinnamon and maple flavors. Other popular picks include the cinnamon roll croissant and the breakfast bagel sandwich with chipotle mayo.
The shop also features a private reservation room for meetings and a kids’ play area complete with a miniature wooden coffee station, making it a welcoming space for families and professionals alike.
With its community-driven mission, thoughtfully crafted menu and warm atmosphere, Grove Coffee is quickly becoming more than just a coffee shop in Oak Lawn. It is a place where neighbors can meet, friendships can form and roots can grow deeper.
